South suburban fire departments awarded federal grants

South suburban fire departments have received federal grants through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, according to Rep. Dan Lipinski.

Lockport Township Fire Protection District has been awarded a $329,000 grant to purchase new protective breathing apparatus units.

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Burbank Fire Department received $125,000 to help pay for Source Capture Exhaust Systems for both of the city’s fire stations. These systems capture vehicle exhaust and ensure that the firefighters are breathing the cleanest air possible while in the station.

The grant program, through the Department of Homeland Security, provides federal funds to fire departments and emergency medical service organizations to improve the response capabilities for first responders and the safety of communities, according to Lipinski, a Democrat, of Western Springs, who recently announced the grant award in a news release.

“There have been dramatic improvements to this product over the last few years and these new units will provide our firefighters with the latest innovations to keep them safe during emergency events,” he said in the release.

“We would like to thank Congressman Lipinski for his support in achieving this grant and providing these cancer prevention efforts for our firefighters,” said Burbank officials in a joint statement.

“All first responders perform a difficult and dangerous job,” Lipinski said. “They put their lives on the line for us each and every day, so I want to do all that I can to fully support their important mission and safety.”